The best countries for holidays? The traveler shows her TOP 3

Everything seems cooler in Iceland

On the first day of my first trip to Iceland, I fell head over heels in love with this country. Since then, I've been back there many times and I don't plan on stopping.

I have always loved road trips, and Iceland is perfect for such trips – even the famous hot dogs at gas stations are amazing there (really!).

Otherworldly landscapes, countless waterfalls, rich Viking history and, above all, natural hot springs and bathing culture – I love it all.

Each season offers something different: in summer you can watch puffins, and in winter you can admire the aurora borealis dancing in the sky.

Having traveled there many times on my own, I have always felt very safe and feel that Iceland is a fantastic destination for solo travelers.

My camera has its hands full in Iceland – it's a true photographer's paradise, with new beauty waiting around every corner.

While I'm not a huge fan of cities, Iceland is also home to my favorite capital, Reykjavik. The culinary and cultural scene here is amazing, and if you have the opportunity to ring in the New Year there like I did last year, it will be an experience you won't soon forget.

Read also: This country is like Poland before joining the EU. A country with potential, traces of war and the “Jerusalem of Europe”

I can't get enough of Italy

At this stage of my life, Italy is like a second home to me – and it's not just about my family roots in this country.

My first trip there, over a decade ago, turned into a real obsession and a longing to return every year. I even spent one summer teaching English at a small school in Tuscany.

I walked in the footsteps of my maternal grandfather in the small village where he grew up. I also visited many regions: the lake area of ​​northern Italy, Tuscany, Liguria (where I participated in a fish festival), Puglia, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, and recently also Sicily.

The greatest discovery during a two-week vacation with my partner was the island of Salina in the Aeolian Islands archipelago. We spent a wonderfully peaceful few days there in the best hotel I have ever stayed in, the Principe di Salina.

Each region offers something different, and there are plenty of festivals and events throughout the year. Every corner is like a living history lesson and open-air museum – from medieval hill towns to ancient ruins, art and culture.

What about food and wine? Don't even get me started on this subject! Italy is the mecca of everything I love.

Switzerland is truly unique

When I first set foot on Swiss soil, I was enchanted. I was also a little lost — in every way. Physically I was looking for a rollercoaster, and mentally I was trying to figure out what the next chapter of my life should be.

It turned out that spectacular landscapes, a change of pace of life and hiking with sheep can do wonders for the mind. That's why Switzerland will always hold a special place in my heart.

Although I have visited the country more than seven times since that first trip, I am still amazed by the crisp Swiss air, the amazing opportunities for active recreation in nature and, of course, chocolate.

I traveled the length and breadth of the country on extremely efficient and picturesque trains, conquered mountain peaks, passed through small villages, past waterfalls and through valleys, and even raced around a mountain track on a go-kart resembling vehicles from the Super Mario game.

Although I have spent time in many different regions of the country, my favorite may be sunny Ticino. This region is located on the shore Lake Maggiore combines the best of Swiss and Italian culture and cuisine, and at the same time is a perfect alternative to Lake Como – without crowds of tourists.

The above text is a translation from American edition of Business Insider